Air pollution is a growing problem in most cities (big and small). The "Daily Dose" aims to disseminate the best available information on air pollution and engage in discussions to better understand the process of air quality management. For more details on the program, please visit http://www.urbanemissions.info

Friday, April 15, 2011

Poorly Installed AC Units Cost New York City $180 Million

When you install your air conditioner this summer, you better do it right — both for your sake and the city’s. According to a new report by the Urban Green Council, titled “There are Holes in Our City’s Walls,” poorly fitted air conditioning units cost the city $130 million to $180 million in fuel consumption, which in turn, produces an extra 375,000 to 525,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In other words, improperly installed ACs account for 1 percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. It may seem like a small percentage, but it’s a pretty big environmental impact just so we can cool our apartments.